Breer initially reported during the 2019 NFL Draft that Minnesota could look to move Rudolph if it selects a tight end, adding he “wouldn’t be surprised” if the Patriots inquired about the 29-year-old. The Vikings wound up taking Alabama’s Irv Smith Jr. in the second round, making Rudolph, who’s set to earn $7.275 million this season in the final year of his contract, expendable.

Rudolph has spent his entire eight-year career in Minnesota, earning two Pro Bowl selections and providing reliably consistent production for the Vikings’ offense. Rudolph, who hasn’t missed a game since 2014, enjoyed one of his best seasons yet in 2018, catching 64 passes for 634 yards and four touchdowns.

The Patriots have reshaped their tight end group this offseason following Rob Gronkowski’s retirement. Gone are their top three options from last season — Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen (released) and Jacob Hollister (traded). To fill these holes, New England signed veteran free agents Ben Watson, Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Matt LaCosse and undrafted rookie Andrew Beck to compete for roster spots with incumbents Stephen Anderson and Ryan Izzo, neither of whom appeared in a game last season.